Get In The Queue: unbeaten bumper star expected to shine over hurdles

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Eamon An Cnoic (IRE)
Eight-year-old gelding
149-0U0
David Pipe
Racing Post Rating 144

Useful handicap chaser; raised 7lb for beating Capeland at Chepstow in February but that didn’t stop him running a fine race when fourth in ultra-competitive Plate at the Cheltenham Festival (did not quite see out extended 2m4f); tailed-off on most recent run at Newbury; probably needs bit of respite from handicapper.

Verdict: could win a decent handicap

Early Doors (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
30/521-2
Joseph O'Brien (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 127 chase

Produced a high-class performance to win last season’s Martin Pipe Hurdle at Cheltenham under top weight, stepping up on his third in the same race as a novice 12 months earlier; both other runs last season at Grade 1 level; promising second on chasing debut.

Verdict: should win races over fences

Easy Game (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
1183-72
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 145 hurdle

Began hurdling last summer and progressed to win four times before the turn of the year, including a Grade 2 at Navan; well backed for the Ballymore after a break but well beaten in eighth and did only slightly better at Fairyhouse and Punchestown. Outclassed behind Honeysuckle on return from break at Fairyhouse but still ran with credit.

Verdict: future lies in handicaps

Ecco
Four-year-old gelding
66-114
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 135 hurdle

Useful Flat horse in Germany; gelding operation knocked him back and highly tried when belatedly getting started over hurdles; ran a cracker to finish sixth in the Triumph Hurdle; has improved for breathing operation and registered two comfortable victories (had little to beat each time); stepped up in grade when easily brushed aside in Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham in November.

Ecco: can be a useful sort over hurdlesCredit: Mark Cranham

Verdict: should be very useful novice hurdler

Eclair De Beaufeu (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
4U6-214
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 147 chase

Progressive novice hurdler last season who was running a huge race in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham when unseating at the last (had just been headed); off the mark over fences with impressive Wexford win in October and fourth to classy Notebook when stepped up to Grade 2 company following month.

Verdict: can win more races over fences

Eglantine Du Seuil (FR)
Five-year-old mare
/1313-33
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 140 hurdle

Shock winner of last season’s mares’ novice hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, getting up on the line to strike at 50-1; stepped up to 2m4f subsequently and ran a fine race when a close third behind Reserve Tank at Punchestown; shaped as if needing the race back at same track on return in November; looks likely to stay beyond 2m4f.

Verdict: smart mare, can improve further

Eldorado Allen (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
23/1U-
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 133 hurdle

Ex-French, promising third on Auteuil hurdling debut; created excellent impression when winning Sandown maiden hurdle (heavy) in November; suffered season-ending injury in freak accident at Aintree following month; expected to regain winning thread.

Verdict: can win more races over hurdles

Elegant Escape (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
21266-2
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 167 chase

Proved himself a thorough stayer when winning last season’s Welsh Grand National; forced into top company after 8lb rise for that win and just came up short, getting outpaced before staying on into second in the Cotswold Chase and coming sixth in the Gold Cup and Betway Bowl; ran right to best on return in Grade 2 Charlie Hall.

Verdict: several pounds shy of top class

Elfile (FR)
Five-year-old mare
1/162-11
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 137 hurdle

Dual French bumper winner who made a winning hurdles debut last season and continued to progress through the spring; stepped up on her Cheltenham Festival sixth when second behind Honeysuckle at Fairyhouse and won a Listed mares’ novice at Punchestown. Returned with easy win over My Sister Sarah in mares' hurdle at Thurles (2m)

Verdict: should win more mares’ hurdles

Elgin
Seven-year-old gelding
411615/
Alan King
Racing Post Rating 155 hurdle

Massive improver two seasons ago, winning two valuable handicaps and Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle; came up short against the top hurdlers in the Champion Hurdle but ran a decent race in fifth; missed last season through injury, reportedly returns after Christmas.

Verdict: found wanting at top level

Elimay (FR)
Five-year-old mare
22/26-11
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 142 hurdle

Bought to go chasing having shown good form in France (runner-up in Grade 3 and Listed races) but has continued to thrive over hurdles; only sixth in the Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last season but improved to win at Punchestown and Killarney.

Verdict: more to offer in mares’ novice chases

Elixir D’Ainay (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
6/1/2-1
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 143 hurdle

French bumper winner, evidently not easy to train and off the track over a year before showing promise on sole run over hurdles (2m, good) last season; looked much improved for longer trip and softer ground when landing Naas maiden hurdle in November.

Verdict: interesting if staying healthy

Elixir De Nutz (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
6/F2111-
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 148 hurdle

Leading contender for last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle before injury intervened; had won his last three, including a Grade 2 at Cheltenham against Supreme third Itchy Feet and the Tolworth at Sandown against Kingwell winner Grand Sancy; will test festival credentials in a Champion Hurdle trial. Back in December.

Verdict: likely Champion Hurdle outsider

Elusive Belle (IRE)
Five-year-old mare
321201-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 135 hurdle

Changed hands £180,000 after Listed-placed in Irish bumper; never more impressive than on her hurdling debut when overcoming greenness to win at Wincanton; too free next time and then outclassed in mares’ novice at the festival.

Verdict: scope for mares’ novice chases

Emitom (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
1/11112-
Warren Greatrex
Racing Post Rating 149 hurdle

Won first five races under rules in bumpers and novice hurdles before suffering sole defeat when a fine second behind Champ in the Sefton at Aintree; saw out trip well on first run at 3m (albeit in slowly run race) and connections hope he’ll be a major player in staying events. Has sustained a setback and won't be seen before Christmas.

Verdict: can develop into a leading stayer

Enemy Coast Ahead
Five-year-old gelding
1-
Tom George
Racing Post Rating 125 bumper

Created favourable impression when running away with Stratford bumper in March (some big stables represented but form not subsequently boosted); well regarded by connections.

Verdict: evidently above average

Enrilo (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
141-15
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 127 hurdle

Perfect start to jumping career in Wincanton novice hurdle in October; ran as if something amiss when fading tamely at Ludlow on latest start; despite being a big, green baby last season he created a good impression in bumpers, suffering his only defeat when impeded and slightly unlucky in running at Ascot.

Verdict: needs to bounce back from shocker latest

Envoi Allen (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
1/1111-1
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 141 hurdle

Unbeaten in four bumpers last season, crowning a brilliant campaign with victory in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham; couldn’t have been more impressive when routing opposition on hurdling debut in Down Royal maiden; looks a monster.

Envoi Allen: hugely impressive on hurdles debutCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Verdict: all class and can extend sequence

Envoye Special (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
22/262-6
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 134 chase

Came from France with good reputation but disappointed last season, despite hinting at considerable ability over fences; could show the benefit of a summer breathing operation and step up markedly on those efforts, although little sign of him doing so on Sandown return.

Verdict: on good mark for handicaps

Epatante (FR)
Five-year-old mare
211/119-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 132 hurdle

Grade 1 bumper winner in France who impressed in winning first two starts over hurdles last season following move to Nicky Henderson; favourite for the mares’ novice hurdle at Cheltenham only to disappoint in ninth.

Verdict: leading contender for mares’ hurdles

Esprit Du Large (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
1410-21
Evan Williams
Racing Post Rating 144 chase

Confirmed promise of Carlisle chasing debut (2m) in October with smooth success upped in trip to 2m3f at Exeter the following month; lightly raced and capable of progressing further.

Verdict: looks an improver over fences

Ex Patriot (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
5411-23
Ellmarie Holden (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 147 chase

Smart hurdler (fourth in the 2017 Triumph) who gradually improved over fences last season and finished off with a successful handicap debut in a valuable race at Gowran Park; third to highly promising Battleoverdoyen in Punchestown Grade 3 chase on latest start; should progress after just six runs over fences.

Verdict: improving chaser, more to come

Fakir D’Oudairies (FR)
Four-year-old gelding
1142-21
Joseph O'Brien (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 149 chase

Jumped really well when making impressive chasing debut in Navan beginners’ event in November (beat classy Melon comfortably); not far off last season’s leading juvenile hurdlers, finishing second behind Pentland Hills at Aintree and Fusil Raffles at Punchestown; earlier stayed on into fourth in the Supreme Novices. Sure to successfully step up in grade.

Verdict: take high rank as 2m novice

Farne (IRE)
Five-year-old mare
2234-8
Neil King
Racing Post Rating 66 hurdle

0-4 in bumpers last season but last two efforts, in Listed and Grade 2 mares’ contests, marked her out an an above-average performer. Quite well regarded by connections but no promise whatsoever on hurdling debut.

Verdict: could improve to win mares’ novice

Fast Buck (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
23-1125
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 141 hurdle

Former French-trained all-weather winner; bumped into smart Fakir D’Oudairies on jumping debut; has shown similar level of form in six outings over hurdles; Listed-race second at Limerick a career-best but failed to run up to that form in Navan Grade 3 in November; both wins on good ground.

Verdict: Graded potential as novice hurdler

Faugheen (IRE)
11-year-old gelding
1/2F3P-1
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 145 chase

Jumping wasn’t foot perfect but made hugely popular winning debut over fences in Punchestown beginners’ chase in November; outstanding Champion Hurdle winner in 2015 and has become a high-class staying hurdler since returning from a long layoff in 2017; finished a good third in last season’s Stayers’ Hurdle but suffered from a fibrillating heart when pulled up at Aintree.

Verdict: risky given health problems

Feel My Pulse (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
1/
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 94 point-to-point

Easily accounted for small field in maiden Irish point-to-point in March 2018; not seen since but well regarded by connections and is rated a useful prospect for novice hurdles.

Verdict: patience likely to be rewarded

Felix Desjy (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
52151-2
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 152 hurdle

Relished switch to forceful tactics over 2m last season, winning a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse when dropped in trip and later adding a Grade 1 at Aintree; unsuited by standing start in the Supreme (couldn’t lead) but no excuses when second to Klassical Dream at Punchestown. Goes chasing.

Felix Desjy: a potentially top-class novice chaser for GigginstownCredit: Patrick McCann

Verdict: exciting front-running novice at 2m

Festival D’Ex (FR)
Four-year-old gelding
1
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 127 bumper

Belied inexperience to thrash a large field in very valuable sales bumper at Punchestown in April, galloping on strongly on rain-softened ground; looks to have a bright future over jumps and debut is awaited with keen interest.

Verdict: fascinating prospect for novice hurdles

First Approach (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
46140-4
Noel Meade (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 145 hurdle

Highly tried last season, running in four Grade 1 races and emerging with huge credit a couple of times, including when a five-length fourth behind Minella Indo at Punchestown; won three out of five (a bumper and two novice hurdles, including a dead-heat) below that level.

Verdict: decent novice, below the best

First Assignment (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
3394-4F
Ian Williams
Racing Post Rating 120 chase

Won first two handicap hurdles last season, notably by nine lengths on first run over 3m at Cheltenham; came up short after 12lb rise subsequently, albeit still running well in competitive handicaps (ninth in the Pertemps Final); never looked happy on Cheltenham chasing debut in October and fell when still in with a chance in Ludlow beginners' chase (2m4f) next time.

Verdict: consistent and fences should suit

First Flow (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
11P/5-22
Kim Bailey
Racing Post Rating 146 chase

Graded winner over hurdles two seasons ago; chasing plans shelved last term after an early-season setback and restricted to just one run due to preference for soft ground, finishing fifth in the Imperial Cup; jumped well when chasing home smart Summerville Boy on Uttoxeter chasing debut in November.

Verdict: can win races over fences

Fixed Rate
Six-year-old gelding
4P/3911-
Charlie Mann
Racing Post Rating 145 chase

Two from two over fences and has the potential to progress further; lot to like about his latest performance when running rivals ragged in 2m5f handicap chase at Kelso in November last year; not seen since but is well regarded by connections.

Verdict: well treated for handicap chases

Flic Ou Voyou (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
4/110-23
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 129 hurdle

Considering his size, he never looked the type to excel in bumpers, but did well to win his first two (both on soft ground); should improve significantly now over hurdles but spoilt chance by pulling too hard on Chepstow debut and shaped as if crying out for further than 2m at Wincanton next time.

Verdict: improve for a trip now hurdling

Flintrock (GER)
Four-year-old gelding
Unraced over jumps
Neil King
Racing Post Rating 85 (Flat)

Looked like developing into a useful middle-distance handicapper on the Flat for Andrew Balding when successful on second career start at Bath last year but has failed to progress; gelded before latest start, when last of five at York; hurdles expected to revitalise.

Verdict: better hurdling recruits around

Floressa (FR)
Four-year-old filly
12-12
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 124 hurdle

Progressive filly, outclassed opposition on hurdling debut in mares’ novice hurdle at Worcester and enhanced reputation when narrowly denied by Silver Forever in better event at Newbury; well regarded by connections.

Verdict: big say in mares’ novice hurdles

Follow The Bear (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
3-1112P
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 132 chase

Improving handicap hurdler, has come on in leaps and bounds this summer on favoured decent ground, notching a hat-trick in staying handicaps; has grown in confidence as a result and plenty of promise on Worcester chase debut.

Verdict: win over fences in modest grade

Footpad (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
11/F28-1
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 170 chase

Went unbeaten as a novice chaser, winning five races including the Racing Post Arkle, but had nothing go right last term; suffered an overreach on his return and looked short of fitness when overhauled by Simply Ned next time; bled when disappointing in the Ryanair but made smart return with comfortable win at Thurles.

Verdict: deserves better luck this time

Forest Bihan (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
3247-31
Brian Ellison
Racing Post Rating 160 chase

Probably flattered by Grade 2 win over 2m4f at Aintree in October (first success since 2017) as omission of fences brought his 2m speed to the fore against stayers; he’s normally very hard to place - he has a lot of weight in handicaps but is usually not up to being competitive at Graded level; needs good ground.

Verdict: INJURED, LIKELY TO BE OUT ALL SEASON

Forth Bridge
Six-year-old gelding
2214-59
Charlie Longsdon
Racing Post Rating 144 chase

Has developed unfortunate habit of finishing second (runner-up six times over fences in last 12 starts); raised 8lb for solitary success in quite valuable Kempton handicap chase and well held since off higher mark.

Verdict: not easy to catch right

Fox Norton (FR)
Nine-year-old gelding
1/12P/23-
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 174 chase

Dual Grade 1 winner from 2m-2m4f in 2017 but has run only twice since being pulled up later that year when stepped up to 3m in the King George; twice ran well at Ascot last season only to miss Cheltenham after another setback.

Fox Norton: a classy performer for Colin Tizzard

Verdict: harder to train but no back number

French Crusader (FR)
Six-year-old gelding
152/121-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 137 hurdle

Stepped up on efforts in novice and maiden hurdles when decisive winner of Newbury handicap last November; subsequently went backwards and spent time out with horse whisperer Gary Witheford; reportedly in better frame of mind to start chasing career.

Verdict: can resume winning ways at modest level

Frodon (FR)
Seven-year-old gelding
12111-33
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 177 chase

Brilliant jumper, so lack of fences on first run back a disadvantage and he was outsped by faster rivals; made the jump from high-class handicapper to genuine Grade 1 performer last season when much improved after wind surgery; crowned a memorable season with victory in the Ryanair Chase having also stretched suspect stamina to 3m1f in the Cotswold Chase.

Verdict: major player in Grade 1s from 2m4f-3m1f

Fury Road (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
151-311
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 144 hurdle

Former point-to-point and bumper winner who made impressive debut over hurdles (heavily eased) in Down Royal maiden (2m6f) in November and easily followed up when given simple task in Grade 3 novice hurdle at Navan (2m4f) next time; stays well and possesses useful turn of foot; capable of handling step-up in class.

Verdict: adds to trainer’s strong hand of novice hurdlers

Fusil Raffles (FR)
Four-year-old gelding
121-11
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 153 hurdle

Among last season’s leading juveniles with victories at Kempton and Punchestown (Grade 1, comfortably beat Fakir D’Oudairies); missed the Triumph Hurdle in between with a nasty injury; showed he had trained on, though not impress everyone, with narrow success in Grade 2 Elite Hurdle at Wincanton in November (ground softer than ideal and reportedly quite badly in need of the run); potential to step up to Grade 1 level.

Verdict: could become Champion Hurdle contender

Gala Ball (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
122/21-0
Philip Hobbs
Racing Post Rating 153 chase

Missed nearly two years with leg trouble but returned better than ever last spring, finishing second in the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury before winning over the same course and distance soon after; disappointing when tailed-off on Newbury return; open to improvement.

Verdict: solid and dependable handicapper

Galvin (IRE
Five-year-old gelding
162-F42
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 140 chase

Won first five races in bumpers and novice hurdles last season; far from disgraced when losing unbeaten record in the Ballymore at Cheltenham, fading into sixth behind City Island after smashing through three out; dropped back to 2m when beaten by Getaway Trump at Ayr; fell on Galway chasing debut and never got in a blow in Fairyhouse beginners’ chase in November but improved performance when second in competitive Punchestown novice chase (2m4f) the same month.

Verdict: should win novice chases

Gardens Of Babylon (IRE)
Four-year-old gelding
32-1082
Joseph O'Brien (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 142 hurdle

Ran consistently well in top juvenile hurdles last season, notably when finishing third behind Pentland Hills in the Triumph Hurdle; half-length second behind French Made at Fairyhouse next time before beating his elders at Punchestown; below best in Galway Hurdle and at Listowel, although more sparkle in Naas Grade 3 latest.

Verdict: starting to look exposed

General Principle (IRE)
Ten-year-old gelding
953PFP-
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post rating 146 chase

Winner of the 2018 Irish Grand National, pulled up when attempting the double last spring; had also failed to finish a fortnight earlier when a faller in Tiger Roll’s Grand National, but normally a sound jumper; reportedly being trained for another tilt at Aintree.

Verdict: winner once in last 13 starts

Geordie B
Six-year-old gelding
1/6211-4
Venetia Williams
Racing Post Rating 141 hurdle

Won last two novice hurdles last season, easily defying a penalty when following up at Exeter; described as “a chaser through and through” by his trainer, who also feels he needs soft ground (all three wins on soft or heavy); didn’t have the pace to challenge on good to soft on Newbury return in November but expect significant improvement next time.

Verdict: highly promising and will improve further

Getabird (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
7P/12-P1
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 156 chase

Yet to hit the heights once anticipated as a youngster but showed promise in a light campaign over fences last year; would have beaten Hardline in a Grade 1 at Limerick but for a slow jump at the last and didn’t stay 3m when stepped up in trip at Punchestown. Winner at Gowran Park on his return.

Verdict: more to come short of 3m

Getaway Trump (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
4411-33
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 142 chase

Four-time winner as a novice hurdler, who promises to do even better over fences; looked in need of the run when third on chasing debut to Al Dancer in well-contested novice event at Cheltenham; failed to turn the tables on that rival on 3lb better terms in Grade 2 Arkle Trial in November (costly error two out and not jump as well as on debut) .

Verdict: should win novice chases

Get In The Queue
Five-year-old gelding
111-
Harry Fry
Racing Post Rating 137 bumper

Hugely impressive in winning all three bumpers, notably when hacking up by 16 lengths at Exeter; well backed for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham but instead kept to calmer waters in valuable sales bumper at Newbury; picked up small injury there; back second half of the season.

Verdict: big things expected over hurdles

Give Me A Copper (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
U1/4F4-1
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 152 chase

Grand chasing type but has had progress over fences hampered by injury, missing more than a year after winning at Kempton in 2017; unable to overcome lack of experience in top staying handicaps last season but lot to like about gutsy comeback win in Badger Beers Chase at Wincanton; not stand much racing but will be trained for Grand National.

Verdict: good stayer, won’t run too often

Glen Forsa (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
111UP-3
Mick Channon
Racing Post Rating 155 chase

Won first three chases last season, kicking off over 2m7½f but looking best when dropping back to 2m in the Kingmaker at Sandown; suspicion he was flattered that day (just three runners and main rival Kalashnikov flopped) and was pulled up at Aintree after early exit in the Arkle; respectable third on return in Newbury handicap chase (2m4f).

Verdict: handicap mark may flatter him

Glen Rocco
Eight-year-old gelding
U13216-
Nick Gifford
Racing Post Rating 143 chase

Bought as a Grand National horse and improved massively when stepped up to 3m last season, running away with a handicap chase at Kempton by 23 lengths; outpaced in sixth over same course and distance when favourite for a valuable handicap soon after.

Verdict: SETBACK, LIKELY TO BE OUT ALL SEASON

Global Citizen (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
21417-4
Ben Pauling
Racing Post Rating 133 chase

Progressive hurdler last season, thriving under forceful tactics; won a Listed handicap at Newbury and claimed scalp of Champion Hurdle third Silver Streak when adding the Grade 2 trial at Haydock to put himself up there with Britain’s leading 2m hurdlers. Not convince on Carlisle chasing debut but may prefer flatter track.

Global Citizen: could yet win over fencesCredit: Paul Harding

Verdict: should win races over fences

Go Conquer (IRE)
Ten-year-old gelding
321PP-6
Nigel Twiston-Davies
Racing Post Rating 163 chase

Very smart 3m handicap chaser who ran out an impressive winner of last season’s Sky Bet Chase; clear non-stayer in the Grand National (had never previously run beyond 3m1f) and might not have recovered when pulled up again at Sandown soon after. Will come on for respectable Ascot return in November.

Verdict: can regain winning thread at 3m

God’s Own (IRE)
11-year-old gelding
12P53-5
Tom George
Racing Post Rating 170 chase

Not quite the same force as when winning Grade 1 chases at Aintree and Punchestown in April 2016 but won his first race since then in last season’s Haldon Gold Cup; continued to perform to a high level in top chases and finished third behind Altior at Sandown on his final run. Well below best on return back in Haldon Gold Cup.

Verdict: hard to win with

Gold Present (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
PP/39F2-
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 158 chase

Won good handicaps at Newbury and Ascot in late 2017 but hampered since by preference for good ground (twice a late withdrawal from the Grand National); twice placed in Graded races last season and fell when running well when getting good ground in a handicap for only time.

Verdict: could surprise in decent handicap

Good Boy Bobby (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
1311-21
Nigel Twiston-Davies
Racing Post Rating 149 chase

Former useful novice hurdler, winning three out of four last season but never above Class 4 level; shaped with abundant promise on fencing debut in hotly contested beginners’ chase at Carlisle in October (beaten head by Brewin’upastorm); simple task when going one better at Wetherby following month.

Verdict: can win more races over fences

Good Man Pat (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
313P5-4
Alan King
Racing Post Rating 149 chase

Stepped up on useful hurdling form when sent novice chasing last season despite lots of room for improvement with his jumping; not beaten far in a Grade 2 novice at Kempton and competitive handicap at Sandown but pulled up at the Cheltenham Festival.

Verdict: remains on winnable mark

Grand Sancy (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
4210-F2
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 152 hurdle

Much-improved novice hurdler last season, runner-up in Grade 1 Tolworth before winning Wincanton’s Grade 2 Champion Hurdle trial; showed liking for that track when narrowly beaten by Fusil Raffles in Grade 2 Elite Hurdle in November; may now go chasing.

Verdict: can take high rank if switching to fences

Greaneteen (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
3/611-0
Paul Nicholls
Racing Post Rating 134 hurdle

Quite highly regarded, spent year on the sidelines after coming from France but made up for lost time last winter; suffered small setback after the second of his two hurdle wins; will stick to hurdles (considered fairly handicapped) before possible switch to fences.

Verdict: could win modest handicap hurdle

Great Field (FR)
Eight-year-old gelding
1/1/FF-4
Willie Mullins (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 170 chase

Looked hugely exciting when winning first five chases but had his bubble burst last season; fell in first two races, including when looking beaten in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown, and bitterly disappointing when a distant fourth behind Un De Sceaux at Punchestown.

Verdict: questions to answer

(IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
8/233-18
Nicky Richards
Racing Post Rating 145 chase

Tough handicap chaser who has contested last three runnings of BetVictor Gold Cup (ninth in 2017, third in 2018 and eighth in this month’s renewal); took advantage of a drop in the ratings when winning Wetherby Listed handicap on reappearance (first success for almost two years).

Verdict: useful record in big handicaps

Gumball (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
1/49-312
Philip Hobbs
Racing Post Rating 149 hurdle

Has put up three very useful performances this season in 2m handicap hurdles, third in a Listed at Market Rasen, winning a similar event at Ascot and second (beaten a neck) in Grade 3 Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham (soft); said by trainer to prefer a sound surface but evidently goes on any ground.

Verdict: improving 2m handicap hurdler

Gypsy Island (IRE)
Five-year-old mare
1211-1
Peter Fahey (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 129 bumper

Bit too keen when suffering only defeat on hurdling debut last November; brought back to bumpers this spring, winning three and improving significantly with each outing; reportedly jumps hurdles well at home.

Verdict: classy mare for novice hurdles

Hang In There (IRE)
Five-year-old gelding
342-U11
Emma Lavelle
Racing Post Rating 139 hurdle

Has quickly made up into a useful novice hurdler since joining new connections; stepped up on Exeter win when making all to beat more strongly fancied rivals in Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham (soft); looks progressive.

Verdict: very useful 2m novice hurdler

Happy Diva (IRE)
Eight-year-old mare
31U2-21
Kerry Lee
Racing Post Rating 150 chase

Tough, likeable and thoroughly consistent mare who faced a series of stiff tasks in Graded chases last season, her sole success coming in valuable mares’ Listed event at Huntingdon; looked as good as ever on Wetherby return in November in Listed handicap and gained thoroughly deserved success in BetVictor Gold Cup at Cheltenham (had been brought down when going well in same race 12 months earlier).

Happy Diva: landed the BetVictor Gold CupCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Verdict: very consistent 2m4f handicap chaser

Harambe
Six-year-old gelding
4112-71
Alan King
Racing Post Rating 139 hurdle

Took time for the penny to drop over hurdles but looked progressive in the spring, posting two wins before excellent second in £100,000 novice handicap hurdle at Sandown behind Getaway Trump. Gave trainer his second Greatwood in three years when landing Cheltenham’s big 2m handicap hurdle at the November meeting.

Verdict: should improve further second season hurdling

Hardline (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
1137-23
Gordon Elliott (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 156 chase

Did well in novice chases last season, winning three times and exploiting Getabird’s late error in a Grade 1 at Limerick; hasn’t finished first or second in five other attempts at that level, though, and was no match for Real Steel (racing off levels) in a novice handicap at Punchestown. Ran fine race on return from break in Navan Grade 2 in November (2m, better over further).

Verdict: suspicion Grade 1 win might flatter

Hatcher (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
911-451
Dan Skelton
Racing Post Rating 151 chase

Has 45 per cent win strike-rate; unexposed over fences after three comfortable victories in minor company from five starts; stripped fitter for Ascot reappearance in November when following up in Ludlow chase (2m) the same month; his first handicap success over hurdles or fences.

Verdict: capable of winning more handicap chases

Haul Away (IRE)
Six-year-old gelding
11147-4
Nicky Henderson
Racing Post Rating 136 hurdle

Quite useful handicap hurdler when encountering favoured good ground; following a promising return at Aintree in May his summer season was cut short due to pulled muscles; will switch to fences when resuming.

Verdict: one of stable’s lesser lights

Hazel Hill (IRE)
11-year-old gelding
12/1111-1
Philip Rowley
Racing Post Rating 154 chase

Last season’s dominant hunter chaser; easily justified favouritism when winning the Foxhunters at Cheltenham in March; gamely followed up by a neck at the same course in May, making it five wins out of five under rules (and 16 out of 17 including point-to-points).

Verdict: near unbeatable in hunter chases

Hell's Kitchen
Eight-year-old gelding
7144-51
Harry Fry
Racing Post Rating 164 chase

Has a very patchy record but has proved high-class on his day, with form of handicap wins over Mister Whitaker and Janika franked subsequently; also ran well when fourth in the Champion Chase last season; lucky winner of Carlisle graduation chase in November (left clear after two last-fence fallers).

Verdict: inconsistency a major drawback

Highest Sun (FR)
Five-year-old gelding
210-332
Colin Tizzard
Racing Post Rating 139 hurdle

Winner on the Flat and over hurdles in France; reportedly better on a left-handed track and ran out convincing winner of Chepstow handicap hurdle in February; very promising chasing debut behind classy Champ at Newbury in November.

Verdict: can win races over fences

Highway One O One (IRE)
Seven-year-old gelding
3203-2U
Chris Gordon
Racing Post Rating 151 chase

Found out in Graded novice chases after two early-season wins last season but ran a couple of fine races in handicaps at Cheltenham, chasing home Kildisart and finishing third behind Mister Whitaker in the Silver Trophy in April; disappointing at the Cheltenham Festival in between.

Verdict: consistent, should win a handicap

Honeysuckle
Five-year-old mare
1/1111-1
Henry de Bromhead (Ire)
Racing Post Rating 145 hurdle

Exciting mare who is still unbeaten; missed Cheltenham in the spring (trainer not happy in build-up) but bounced back in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Fairyhouse; convincing winner back at Fairyhouse on comeback in conditions’ hurdle in November; should get 3m.

Honeysuckle: unbeaten for Henry de BromheadCredit: Caroline Norris

Verdict: can win more Graded hurdles

Huntsman Son (IRE)
Nine-year-old gelding
26219-2
Alex Hales
Racing Post Rating 146 chase

Only win in last two years came in a five-runner Newbury novice chase in March but threatens to win a decent prize; ninth in Cheltenham Festival handicap (ground too soft) and much better latest (career-best in Haydock handicap chase).

Verdict: overdue decent handicap chase success

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